Gertrude and Ophelia - 1014 Words

For many years, in the older eras, women had always been categorized as insignificant, and worthless. Because of this, women were forced to conform to the stereotype of depending on men, and were subjected to what the men said. William Shakespeare demonstrates this in the play Hamlet. The women are portrayed to deserve their fate because of their inability to be independent and their ability to be easily influenced. In the play, Shakespeare demonstrates that both Gertrude and Ophelia deserve their fate. The women deserve their fate because of their inability to be independent. Polonius instructs Ophelia to be aware of her shallow emotions and to display herself as more valuable by not responding to Hamlets every command. When Polonius†¦show more content†¦Both Gertrude and Ophelia were influenced by love. As Hamlet is talking to Gertrude, he wants her to see how horrible she has been and make her face the facts. Gertrude pleads, O Hamlet, speak no more: Thou turn’st mine eyes into my very soul, And there I see such black and grained spots As will not leave their tinct. (3.4.90-93) Gertrude fools herself by thinking everything she has done is justified because of Claudius who influenced her thoughts. She needs Hamlet to show her all the wrong she has done, she cannot realize herself. While Hamlet and the Ghost of Hamlet’s father are talking, Hamlet’s father talks about Gertrude, With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts,- O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power So to seduce!-won to his shameful lust The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen; O Hamlet, what a falling-off was there! From me, whose love was of that dignity That it went hand in hand even with the vow I made to her in marriage; and to decline Upon a wretch, whose natural gifts were poor To those of mine! (1.5.44-53) Claudius seduced Gertrude easily because of his ‘power’. Claudius manipulated her and his traits are not of any quality. Gertrude and Ophelia are easily impressionable, and were easily used to others’ advantages, proving their presence invaluable. It is demonstrated that both Gertrude and Ophelia deserve their fate throughout the play. The women deserve their fate because of their inability to beShow MoreRelatedEssay A Comparison of Hamlet’s Gertrude and Ophelia 2574 Words   |  11 PagesHamlet’s Gertrude and Ophelia      Ã‚  Ã‚   Queen Gertrude and Ophelia, the main female characters in Shakespeare’s dramatic tragedy Hamlet, have a variety of personal qualities and experiences in common. This essay, with the help of literary critics, will explore this commonality. 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